More women in Bacchus Marsh will be able to give birth closer to home and loved ones with the revamp of maternity services at Djerriwarrh Health Services now complete, funded by the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Health Jill Hennessy joined Member for Buninyong Geoff Howard to officially open the $1.59 million modern expansion and refurbishment of the service.
The project has increased the number of post-delivery maternity beds from 11 to 15, giving the hospital the capacity it needs to grow and cater for up to 1,200 births a year.
It also delivered better nurse workstations, a new three-bay nursery and upgraded delivery suites to improve care and comfort for mothers and babies.
The modern revamp will improve patient outcomes by delivering safer and better care and meet increasing demand for birthing services from the growing Bacchus Marsh community.
This project is part of a $10.59 million investment from the Regional Health Infrastructure Fund. The remaining $9 million will deliver the expansion of operating theatres at the service, building two extra operating theatres for surgeries, while also refurbishing the existing theatre, fitting it out with the latest technology and equipment.
The $250 million fund – the largest of its kind in Victorian history – will rebuild rural and regional hospitals to ensure all Victorians can access the high quality care and facilities they need, no matter where they live.
This year’s Budget invested $1.2 billion in hospital upgrades and equipment – giving our hardworking doctors, nurses and paramedics the world-class facilities they need to deliver the very best healthcare.
But while we invest, the Turnbull Liberal Government continues to rip funding from our hospitals. This year’s Federal Budget locks in plans to short-change Victorians by $2.1 billion.
The Federal Budget also fails to make any significant funding investments into health infrastructure projects for Victoria. Out of our massive investment into health and ambulance projects over the past four years, the Commonwealth has funded just 0.3 per cent.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Jill Hennessy
“We’re revamping our rural and regional health services so more patients can be treated sooner – closer to home and their loved ones.”
“We’re working hard so that mums in Bacchus Marsh can feel confident they are accessing the safest and highest quality birthing services, right here.”
Quote attributable to Member for Buninyong Geoff Howard
“We are proud to invest in the future of Djerriwarrh Health Services. We’re supporting their dedicated doctors and nurses to deliver the best possible care in the best facilities.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020